Maryland Historical Trust Library

Shelves filled with old books of various colors and sizes, some leather-bound with faded text.

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) Library is Maryland’s main repository for information about the state’s architectural, archaeological and cultural resources. It supports researchers, consultants, planners, students, and the public interested in Maryland’s built and cultural heritage.

Visit the MHT Library

The library is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday by appointment only. To schedule a visit, please contact:

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Online catalog

Need to start your research? Search the library catalog.

Services & resources

The MHT Library provides:

Research assistance for architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources
Access to Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties documentation and survey files
Support for compliance and preservation consultants
Reference materials on preservation, architecture, archaeology, history, decorative arts, and building conservation
Public terminals for searching the online library catalog and databases

Library collections

Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties

File documentation for the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties is available in person at the library. This information is also available online via Medusa.

Architectural files (including forms, photographs and maps) are publicly accessible, but archaeological files are restricted to qualified researchers.

Supplemental Files

Vertical files - PDF 742.29 KB: Clippings, research notes, photographs, and architectural drawings that supplement Maryland Inventory and National Register of Historic Places records.
Architectural drawings and photographs: A growing collection of measured drawings and historic photographs that document Maryland’s built environment.

Oral history collections

The library holds transcripts, audio- and/or video- cassettes, and photographs from projects across Maryland, capturing stories of communities, industries and cultural traditions. Examples include:

Patapsco: Life Along Maryland’s Historic River Valley (2008) – An oral historian and photographer documented stories from 60 residents in five river towns, capturing everyday lives—from butchers to teachers—and preserving memories of places like Oella, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Relay, and the lost town of Daniels.
Maryland Aloft (2003) – A broad look at Maryland’s aviation history, featuring buildings, innovators, and pilots. Based on historic photos, research, and interviews with 25 aerospace pioneers.
A Journey Through Berkley (2003) – An oral-history portrait of the National Register–listed crossroads community in Harford County, centered on the restored Hosannah School, with interviews from 23 longtime residents.
Minding Our Own Business (2004) – Oral histories documenting North Brentwood’s African American entrepreneurs and the once self-sustaining business community before desegregation shifted local commerce.
Maryland Lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay (1997) – Stories from two dozen lighthouse keepers and their families accompany this comprehensive history of Bay lighthouses, paired with documentary portraits.
Land & Water, People & Time: Smith Island (1996) – A 20-minute film and related interviews capturing Smith Island’s culture, created at residents’ request. Includes an audio study of the island’s distinct dialect.